Here are some tips for places to visit in the nearbys of our Villa Alfresco:
Tuscany is an incredible land, and this part of Tuscany is even better!
Montecatini Terme
MONTECATINI TERME
Montecatini Terme is a small city from XVIII century founded over the presence of hot thermal waters, called “spring waters”, that had been used since the Roman emperor to heal soldiers. These waters have healing principles for gastrointestinal deseases and for cholesterol, and during the centuries this little cozy city has developed around some thermal stations, built on the belle epoque and still bringing that style marks. With over 18.000 inhabitants, this touristic place has a nice shopping promenade, many bars and pubs for good aperitives and quite a number of various restaurants. Ask us some advice for your dinner in Montecatini Terme.
What to visit in Montecatini Terme
Terme Tettuccio. A stunning thermal building that will leave you breathless. It is the celebration of Liberty and Art Noveau style.
Entrance is possible everyday from 1st May to 31st October from 11.00 am to 18.00. Entrance fee is € 7,00 (info at www.termemontecatini.it )
The Comune “Town Hall” building. Another Liberty artwork this palace is open to public. A huge staircase welcomes the visitors to first floor, where two stained glass “lucernarium” windows are sorrounded by frescoes, hand made by the biggest italian Liberty artist, Galileo Chini. The main town hall council room is a feast of plasters and light, while at the ground floor you may be lucky finding the small city museum open, showing an original mail office as designed in Liberty style, other than artworks including a Miro’ huge painting, donated by the artist to the city in the ‘80s. Entrance is free.
The Funicular train “Funicolare”. This is a fun and interesting experience. Two metal little trains, called Gigio and Gigia, climb up the hill of Montecatini Alto since 1859, and it’s so nice to rise up with it, staying outside and getting the best glimpse of the valley, or of the Village. Kids love it, and generations of tourist have kissed in the dawn on these little red trains. You will love them! (check openings and schedules at www.funicolare-montecatini.it Only cash payment!)
Montecatini Alto: the medieval village of Montecatini Alto is a real hidden gem of Tuscany. If you happen to have arrived with the funicular, the first thing you’ll see is a breathtaking panorama terrace, where pictures can be taken to stay forever in your memory. There are many things to visit in the Village: the medieval walls at the top of the Hill, the church of St Peters and Paul, the Clock tower and some other little places. Our suggestion is to ask for a Map and a help to the Pro-loco tourist office ( https://www.montecatini-alto.it/ )
Valdinievole: "Leonardo & Pinocchio" Valley
Montecatini Terme is located in the middle of a Valley called Valdinievole, defined by the presence at its south_east side of Vinci, birthplace of Leonardo, and at its North-west of Collodi, the village where the wooden puppet Pinocchio was invented. This interesting area is organized in 11 municipalities, and has got many interesting visits to be done: a paradise for bikers and birdwatchers, it is a land for great food and hidden little churches. Over 50 km of trekking paths are linked among each others, including horse-back ridings and trail running paths. It’s a Slow-food presidium area and you can learn more about what to visit on the website www.tomontecatini.com , available in English.
MONTECARLO (Lucca)
Do not miss this incredible little village close to Montecatini Terme, and visit the Fortress (Fortezza del Cerruglio): our best advice is to go there in the afternoon, visit the fortress and then stay for a wine (DOCG Montecarlo is amazing) and dinner.If you get into the village you will see the pro-loco tourist office, always open during daytime for nice info related to the village, to its wineries and places to visit.
FORTEZZA DI MONTECARLO A medieval and renaissance jewel that can be visited under the guidance of Mr Valter Menchini, the owner;Via Fortezza, 55015 Montecarlo (LU) ph +39 0583 22401 (www.fortezzadimontecarlo.it)
PISTOIA
Located at just 15km from Montecatini Terme, Pistoia is an incredible medieval city with over 90.000 inhabitants which has a lot to offer and to visit,
if you like medieval buildings and art.
Start your visit from the Tourist Point in Piazza del Duomo and visit, in the right order:
San Giovanni Fuorcivitas church, a sensational example of Florentine romanic with some incredible pieces, like the Pulpit of Fra Guglielmo and Arnolfo (1270), or the Visitation from Della Robbia.
San Giovanni baptistery with a silver althar nominated in all the Jacobean itineraries for its richness
San Zeno Cathedral with the statue of Sant’Jacopo (santiago de compostela), a twin city to the spanish sanctuary;
Sant’Andrea delle Fratte with its Nicola Pisano pulpit (same as Pisa) which is simply incredible in details and expressions.
Town Hall and its civic museum are also worth a visit.
The Piazza del Duomo square is one of the most inspiring in Tuscany, including the Bishops Palace (palazzo vescovile), also visitable from the Info point.
If you are into Contemporary art, there are two important museums in Pistoia:
Fondazione Pistoia Musei http://www.fondazionepistoiamusei.it/en/ Palazzo de’ Rossi, Via de’Rossi 26 51100 Pistoia ph +39 0573 974267